A Labor of Love
In 1998, the Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Community Mental Health Agency in Michigan opened a new building for mental health services. Elinor Holbrook was Chair of the CEI Community Mental Health Board at that time and believed there should be art on the new walls for visitors to enjoy. Larry, her husband, had recently retired and was actively applying his knowledge and love of mathematics to the creation of digital art. He was gaining recognition through writing and speaking on the relationship of mathematics and art as well as gallery exhibits of his art. She asked Larry if he could create a large five panel piece, “Zen Maple” for the new conference room and he gladly did, donating his completed work to the new building. Larry passed away in 2002, leaving behind hundreds of files of original digital art based on his mathematical formulas.
Larry’s Family Makes a Decision
Twenty years passed and Elinor wondered if Larry’s art was still on the wall of the CEI conference room. Yes, it was still there; intact, beautiful, and vibrant. She took photos, marveling at how fresh the panels looked and pleased that his art continued to give joy.
Shortly after her visit, Elinor attended a reception at the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art which featured Julian VanDyke, a well-known Lansing artist, muralist, and illustrator. As she was talking to Julian and Terry Terry, owner of MICA, she decided to show them her recent photos of “Zen Maple”, at CEI and told them the story. Their response was immediate; please find a way to show Larry’s art! She called her children, Mary and Larry, both of whom have extensive technology backgrounds, and they agreed that the neglected files needed to be examined. Elinor’s grandson Garrett who has extensive IT experience was then also pulled into the conversation. The files, examined more closely with contemporary tools, revealed stunning designs and colors, unique and amazing. They were convinced the best way to honor Larry, the artist, was to make his work public and accessible. RCP Artist Services, Inc then translated the files to canvas and metal. In November 2023, the first exhibit of Larry’s mathematically inspired digital art was held at MICA and was very well received.
Larry’s family at the opening of the Michigan Institute of Contemporary Art exhibit in November of 2023 L to R, Larry Holbrook, Jr., Elinor Holbrook, Garrett Holbrook and Mary Holbrook.
Moving Forward
Numerous exhibits were held around mid Michigan over the next two years and interest began to grow. Larry’s family decided that it was time to expand the reach of Larry’s art. Elinor worked on writing narratives, Larry Jr. dove into marketing and sales, Mary created social media accounts and this web site and Garrett provided technical expertise to get the best out of the original files. A true family collaboration in honor of their husband, father and grandfather; a labor of love.